Um, why are you linking to a map of proposed new coal fired power stations? That tells you nothing about current emission levels. All it tells you is how much of a contribution coal-fired power will make to future increases in emissions. Given that the US is focusing on gas from fracking, it’s not surprising that there’s a comparatively small planned increase in coal-based emissions.

Nobody controls historical omissions, of course. However, it can be argued (although not by me) that the countries that have historically emitted more CO2 should take the lead on decarbonising their economies, while historically low emitters should be given more leeway as they develop their own economies. Personally I don’t think that’s a helpful approach.

The point about historical emissions is, however, irrelevant to the main point, which is that the graphic you linked to isn’t about emissions AT ALL, it’s about megawattage of planned future coal-fired power plants.

If you want to make the argument that the US has no impact on global CO2 levels, you need to show their actual, current CO2 emissions. Total emissions would be simplest: although emissions per capita is arguably a better reflection of the impact US citizens/businesses could have if they chose less polluting power sources.

Decarbonize an economy ? That’s insane. Without proper energy sources such as coal, the economy would collapse, poverty would be rampant, life expectancy would plummet, millions would needlessly die. Brainless leftists don’t care, afterall they are anti-human monsters, but I do. So, good for China and everyone else building coal fired electrical plants. Spewing harmless C02 into the air while providing heat, air conditioning and lighting is a win- win scenario. The people win and the world’s vegetation win – it loves carbon dioxide !

This is a little misleading because the USA is REPLACING several old plants newer higher efficiency plants which will have a net REDUCTION of US CO2, whereas Germany is replacing nuclear with coal and China + India are installing all new coal capacity which will increase CO2. Here is the latest USA coal emissions through October 2012 and one can see that the US emissions from coal continue to drop and WILL CONTINUE to drop as 160 old plants are to be closed by 2017.

Shifting to natural gas has already lowered USA CO2 by 14% from 2006 and the USA is only 3% away from the 2020 reduction target that was established in the Waxman Markey cap and trade bill. Imagine that! We will meet 17% reduction before 2020 without any cap and trade. Last year only Germany and the USA saw a net drop in CO2 which means all the Kyoto participants struggled even with weaker economies.